Ed Sheeran Says Promoter, Not Him, Removed Macklemore From US Tour

Pop star Ed Sheeran has said the decision to remove American rapper Macklemore from the US leg of his concert tour was made by the tour's promoter and not by him, as a growing dispute over the rapper's pro-Palestinian statements continues to divide artists and supporters.

Sheeran made the clarification on Tuesday after several artists and members of his touring band announced they were leaving the Loop Tour, citing support for Macklemore and solidarity with Palestinians.

“Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine,” Sheeran said in a statement posted on Instagram.

Macklemore was removed from the US tour following remarks he made during a September 4 concert in New Jersey, where he voiced support for Palestinians and made “Free Palestine” comments.

Sheeran Distances Himself From Political Activism

Sheeran said he respected Macklemore's willingness to publicly stand behind his beliefs but explained that he takes a different approach to politics.

The British singer said he respected Macklemore's “strength of purpose to stand up and shout for what he believes,” while adding that his own preference was not to use his professional platform for political purposes.

The development has nevertheless drawn Sheeran's tour directly into a wider debate over whether musicians should use concerts and other public platforms to speak about the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Opening Acts Leave Tour

Several artists scheduled to perform alongside Sheeran announced their departures on Tuesday.

Among them were musician Finneas, Danish band Lukas Graham and singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe.

Sheeran's touring band, Beoga, a traditional Irish group, also announced that it would leave the tour.

Finneas said artists should be able to speak publicly about issues affecting oppressed communities.

“Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed,” Finneas said in announcing his departure.

Rowe and Beoga also referenced Ireland's historical experience with colonialism in explaining their support for Palestinians.

Promoter Says Venues Raised Objections

Messina Touring Group, the promoter of the US leg of Sheeran's Loop Tour, told Rolling Stone that venue owners scheduled to host upcoming concerts had informed promoters that they would not permit shows to proceed with Macklemore included in the lineup.

Sheeran said the venues had warned that upcoming concerts could be cancelled if Macklemore remained part of the tour.

The dispute also involved billionaire businessman Robert Kraft, who Sheeran said he spoke with following Kraft's public comments about the controversy.

Macklemore said Monday that Kraft had rallied support among some stadium owners who warned they would not allow Sheeran to perform at their venues if the rapper remained on the bill.

Kraft had said previously that he felt a responsibility to speak out when he believed a line had been crossed.

Macklemore's Longstanding Pro-Palestinian Position

Macklemore has for years publicly expressed support for Palestinians and criticised Israel's military campaign in Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank.

In 2024, he released “Hind's Hall,” a protest song inspired by pro-Palestinian demonstrations and the killing of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab in Gaza.

The rapper has continued to use his public appearances to express support for the Palestinian cause, including during his recent concert in New Jersey.

His comments have received backing from pro-Palestinian advocacy groups, artists and politicians, who argue that musicians speaking publicly about the conflict can draw attention to Palestinian suffering.

Critics Raise Antisemitism Concerns

Macklemore's statements have also attracted criticism from pro-Israeli organisations and some Jewish commentators and artists.

American singer Pink, who is Jewish, and pro-Israeli groups have argued that some of the rapper's remarks could contribute to concerns about the safety of Jewish and pro-Israeli people attending concerts.

Critics have also revisited a 2014 incident in which Macklemore wore a costume featuring a black wig, beard and exaggerated nose. Critics said the appearance invoked antisemitic stereotypes. Macklemore subsequently apologised for the costume.

On Monday, Macklemore rejected claims that his recent concert remarks were antisemitic. He argued that equating criticism of Israeli government actions with antisemitism can, in his view, deflect attention from questions of Israeli accountability.

Tour Dispute Highlights Divisions in Music Industry

The controversy has exposed differing approaches among musicians over political expression and the use of entertainment platforms to address international conflicts.

While Macklemore has continued to speak publicly about the war in Gaza and Palestinian rights, Sheeran has sought to distinguish his position from that approach, saying he prefers not to use his professional platform for politics.

The withdrawal of several opening acts and Beoga from the Loop Tour adds another dimension to the dispute, with performers publicly siding with Macklemore and expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

The controversy is expected to remain a point of discussion as Sheeran's US tour continues, with venue policies, artists' political expression and concerns over antisemitism and Palestinian advocacy all forming part of the wider debate.